Overview

Think Like a Chef by Tom Colicchio

With Think Like a Chef, Tom Colicchio has created a new kind of cookbook. Rather than list a series of restaurant recipes, he uses simple steps to deconstruct a chef's creative process, making it easily available to any home cook.

He starts with techniques: What's roasting, for example, and how do you do it in the oven or on top of the stove? He also gets you comfortable with braising, sautéing, and making stocks and sauces. Next he introduces simple "ingredients" -- roasted tomatoes, say, or braised artichokes -- and tells you how to use them in a variety of ways. So those easy roasted tomatoes may be turned into anything from a vinaigrette to a caramelized tomato tart, with many delicious options in between.

In a section called Trilogies, Tom takes three ingredients and puts them together to make one dish that's quick and other dishes that are increasingly more involved. As Tom says, "Juxtaposed in interesting ways, these ingredients prove that the whole can be greater than the sum of their parts," and you'll agree once you've tasted the Ragout of Asparagus, Morels, and Ramps or the Baked Free-Form "Ravioli" -- both dishes made with the same trilogy of ingredients.

The final section of the books offers simple recipes for components -- from zucchini with lemon thyme to roasted endive with whole spices to boulangerie potatoes -- that can be used in endless combinations.

Written in Tom's warm and friendly voice and illustrated with glorious photographs of finished dishes, Think Like a Chef will bring out the master chef in all of us.

About the Author

Tom Colicchio is chef/owner of New York's celebrated Gramercy Tavern and chef/owner of the newly opened Craft. He is the winner of the James Beard/American Express Best Chef Award for New York City. This is his first book.

Editorial Reviews

"In Think Like a Chef, Tom has opened the door to his culinary process and explained--in straight terms--how his very personal style is actually based on a simple logic that can be employed successfully by anyone who simply loves great food." --Danny Meyer

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

I LOVE THIS BOOK! I loved how Tom walked through all the professional terms and jargon and explained it all well. He also discribed the techniques that chefs use to get the amazing flavors of the resturant. I've followed his method many times in the past week (when I bought the book) and both my husband and myself have noticed that my meals are much more flavorful and delicious! I would HIGHLY reccommend this book to any cook!

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Tom Colicchio, a genius NYC chef, shares the techniques that bring him success in the kitchen. Unlike many other books written by brilliant chefs, Think Like A Chef offers recipes and suggestions that are easy to incorporate into your everyday cooking. This book is an excellent source for learning how to cook using fresh ingredients that are readily available. Colicchio's self-taught techniques, which he has accumulated through many years of experience in the kitchen, will greatly enhance the culinary craft of his readers. I would recommend this book to anyone who spends time in the kitchen- from novice to culinary expert.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Beautiful pictures and complex dishes made simple make for an excellent tool to cook by. Authored by the 2000 James Beard Foundation's New York City Chef of the Year it makes you feel as if you CAN think and cook like a chef. Some interesting homespun yarns as well. Pick it up and try the recipes. A winner!

MisTom3

More than 1 year ago

I had heard so many good things about this book so I just had to buy it. I'm SO glad I did. I have learned so much. It is a good blend of college textbook meets cookbook. I first read it like a book, but use it now as a textbook.